Week 11 Routers

Agenda:

Review from last time (Traveling with Technology)

Routers

After class

• Take the quiz

• Run an Internet Speed Test:(speedtest.net) Compare your download, upload, and ping results. Reflect on how your speeds affect your everyday online activities

• Locate Your Router and Assess Its Placement: Find your router in your home and check if it’s centrally located and free from obstructions like walls or metal objects. Experiment by moving the router (if possible) and observe any changes in Wi-Fi signal strength.

• Explore Your Router's Settings: Log in to your router's settings using the instructions from class. Check the security settings to see if WPA3 or WPA2 is enabled. If you’re comfortable, try changing the default password to a stronger one.

• Use a Data Usage Calculator: Visit one of the data usage calculators mentioned and input your typical online activities to estimate your monthly data usage. Consider if your Internet package meets your needs.

• ISP hotspots: (not covered in class):  Review document   Ask an AI if you have follow up questions (or put into discussion board on Canvas).

Recording

If you missed class or want to hear this again, here is the Tuesday class recording.

Quick links:

Handout

(not mentioned in class):  ISP hotspots

Presentation

Quiz

Zoom classroom:   https://sdccd-edu.zoom.us/j/9191959460?pwd=OXh0RE9ZTVZTWElTMUQ0ZzAxQzExdz09

Summary of this presentation

Introduction to Routers and Modems

• What is a Router?: A router connects multiple devices in a home to the Internet. It requires a modem to bring Internet into your home and translates the signals so your devices can understand. The router may contain a modem, or you might have two pieces of equipment.

Finding and Understanding Your Router

• Find Your Router: Determine if you have a modem-router combo or separate devices. Identify the manufacturer and location of your router in your home.

• Learn More About Your Router: Check the product box, use online resources, or view the router's technical specs to understand its capabilities.

Router Security and Settings

• WPA2 and WPA3: These are security protocols that protect your devices. WPA3 is the latest standard4

Internet Speed and Performance

• Understanding Internet Speed: Speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps), indicating how quickly data can be transferred. Key metrics include download speed, upload speed, and ping.

• Factors Affecting Performance: Router capacity, device location, network congestion, and background activities can impact performance.

• Optimizing Performance: Prioritize devices, upgrade equipment, use Ethernet connections, and be mindful of high-bandwidth activities during peak times.

Setting Up and Configuring Your Router

• Setting Up the Router: Change default settings, especially the password. Use a device connected via Ethernet for setup and keep all supporting documents.

Final Activity

• Summary: By the end of the class, you should be able to find your router, explain its type, connect to it, check your Internet speed, and use a data calculator to see how activities affect your usage.